The Stem Cell Podcast

Guest: Clinician and researcher Dr. Lior Gepstein discusses his work on using stem cells to model heart disease. We talk to Dr. Gepstein about his past and current work, including his latest paper published in Stem Cell Reports. His research covers human-induced pluripotent stem cell-cardiomyocytes and calcium levels. Resources and Links Antibiotic Resistance: World on Cusp of 'Post-Antibiotic Era – The world is on the cusp of a "post-antibiotic era", scientists have warned after finding bacteria resistant to drugs used when all other treatments have failed. MG, the Newest STD on the Block, Found in over 1% of the Population – This article reports that slightly more than 1 percent of 4,500 participants tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease (STD) known as Mycoplasma genitalium (MG). Parasitic Worm 'Increases Women's Fertility' – This article suggests that infection with a species of parasitic round worm, Ascaris lumbricoides that alters the immune system, makes it easier for women to get pregnant. How a Raisin Can Predict a Toddler's Future Academic Ability – A simple test using a raisin can predict how well a toddler will perform academically at age eight, based on a research conducted at the University of Warwick. Uterus Transplant: First US Clinical Trial Begins – This article reports that the first clinical trial of uterus transplantation in the United States has begun at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, and in the process of selecting women with uterine factor infertility, a condition in which a woman was born without a uterus, has lost her uterus, or has a uterus that no longer functions. Viagra for Type 2 Diabetes: 'Little Blue Pill' Reduces Insulin Resistance without Risk of Heart and Kidney Disease – This article reveals that Sildenafil, active ingredient in Viagra, may improve insulin sensitivity and prevent type 2 diabetes, without heart and kidney disease risk. 'Ringo the Dog' Helps Find Potential New Therapy for Muscular Dystrophy – Ringo, a golden retriever, has made an important contribution to science by helping researchers discover a gene that inhibits the consequences of dystrophin loss in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Impairment of Sense of Smell May Indicate Dementia – A new study revealed that the decline in a person's olfactory sense may be an indicator of mild cognitive impairment, Lewy body, vascular dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Nanopores Could Take the Salt out of Seawater – University of Illinois engineers have found an energy-efficient material, a nanometer-thick sheet of molybdenum disulfide riddled with tiny holes called nanopores, specially designed to let high volumes of water through but keep salt and other contaminates out, a process called desalination. With $379M Deal for Ocata, Astellas Buys Stem Cells for Eye Diseases – Japanese drug firm Astellas Pharma announced that it has agreed to buy Ocata Therapeutics, which is developing regenerative medicines for eye diseases. Thanks, George W., for the Boost to Stem Cell Research – This article reports that in 2001, George W. Bush restricted the use of federal funding for embryonic stem cell research but three years later, California started its own stem cell program, and several states followed suit. NFL Legend Bart Starr Undergoes Second Experimental Stem Cell Treatment in Mexico – Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr hopes to be in Green Bay on Thanksgiving to see Brett Favre's No. 4 jersey retired at halftime in person after recently undergoing his second experimental stem cell treatment in Mexico. Parents Hope Harvesting Stem Cells from Baby Teeth Will Save Lives – This article describes how one couple, RJ and Cindy Brideau, are banking stem cells that have been harvested from their children's baby teeth. Urine-Derived Stem Cells Predict Patient Response to Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs – This article suggests that inhibitors of PCSK9, a liver enzyme involved in regulating cholesterol homeostasis,

Duane Fernandez, a creative force as a writer, director, and photographer, dives into the essence of curiosity and its transformative power. He shares his insights on how curiosity fuels innovation and enhances teamwork, emphasizing the importance of human relationships over mere tools. Duane also discusses overcoming cultural resistance in teams and expresses surprise at the advancements in the STEM field. His unique experiences, including a chaotic Slipknot concert shoot, add a dash of humor and humanity to the conversation.

Dr. Steven Goldman, a distinguished neuroscience professor at the University of Rochester, discusses the intriguing world of glial cells and their essential roles in the brain. He delves into using neural stem cells to model diseases and offers promising insights on treating conditions like multiple sclerosis. Goldman highlights the clinical potential of glial progenitors, explaining how they can effectively remyelinate damaged nerves. With a sprinkle of humor about his experience with canaries in the ICU, this conversation is both informative and entertaining.

Dr. David Mooney, Pincus Family Professor of Bioengineering at Harvard, explores how biomaterials like hydrogels can enhance stem cell integration post-transplant. He discusses engineering materials to guide stem cell behavior and how hydrogels can protect and enhance cell survival. The conversation dives into the mechanics of these materials, including alginate's gentle encapsulation and their future role in clinical applications. Mooney shares his journey from chemical to tissue engineering, highlighting innovation in stem cell therapies.

Dr. Andrew Cohen, an engineer and associate professor at Drexel University, dives into the fascinating world of stem cell lineage tracing using innovative software. He explains how time-lapse imaging reveals complex cellular behaviors and their eventual fates. Andrew also discusses the significance of tracking stem cell divisions, the differences between various types of neural stem cells, and how his tools like LEVER and CloneView aid in this research. Plus, he shares some light-hearted anecdotes from his career, making the science both enlightening and entertaining!

Dr. Scott Noggle is the Vice President for Stem Cell Research at the New York Stem Cell Foundation, pioneering automated systems for generating iPS cells. He shares insights on his work creating human models for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The conversation dives into the significance of automation in stem cell research, enhancing reproducibility and scaling. Scott also discusses his research goals, collaborations, and the future impact of stem cell innovations in clinical trials and personalized medicine.

In this conversation, Dr. Flora Vaccarino, a Yale neuroscientist specializing in neural stem cells and autism, shares her innovative research using human iPSCs to explore autism spectrum disorder. She discusses how selecting families with brain overgrowth helps pinpoint autism subtypes and the significance of mosaicism in iPSC genomes. Flora reveals breakthroughs in GABAergic neuron production in autism-derived organoids and speculates on future diagnostics that could enhance early intervention. Get ready for insightful lab anecdotes and expert predictions!

Dr. Chris Armstrong, CEO of Stem Cell Theranostics and expert in molecular biology, discusses innovative uses of iPSCs to model cardiovascular diseases. He explains how his company combines diagnostics with therapeutics to advance drug discovery. The conversation dives into techniques for screening therapies and assessing drug-induced cardiotoxicity. They also touch on the regulatory landscape around iPSC models, emphasizing their potential role in personalized medicine. Chris's journey from academia to biotech leadership adds a personal touch to the scientific insights.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. George Daley, a renowned stem cell biologist from Harvard, shares his journey from leukemia research to leading advancements in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. He dives into the future of generating patient-specific blood stem cells and the challenges of directed differentiation. Daley emphasizes the continued importance of embryonic research alongside iPS technology. With light-hearted lab stories, he also touches on the ethical landscape and the exciting potential of CRISPR and organoids in transforming medicine.

Guest: In this episode we give you the second part of our broadcast live from the ISSCR 2015 International Conference from Stockholm, Sweden. On the show, we randomly pull attendees aside and ask them to us their stem cell story, and detail some of their research topics and accomplishments. Some of those interviewed on the show include Dr. Sean Morrison, the President of ISSCR, and Dr. Paul Tesar of Case Western Reserve University. Subscribe to our newsletter! Never miss updates about new episodes. Subscribe